Sarytogan Graphite Limited has returned 318 metres grading 0.14% copper and 0.027 ppm gold from surface to the end of the second diamond drill hole at the Ilksan prospect, located within the Baynazar copper exploration project in central Kazakhstan.

Assay results from hole DDH-IL26001A outline several higher-grade intervals, including 18.9 metres at 0.29% copper and 0.093 ppm gold from 5.0 metres, and an 8.6-metre intersection at 0.25% copper and 0.081 ppm gold from 41.2 metres. A deeper interval returned 15.2 metres at 0.40% copper, 0.082 ppm gold, and 1.8 ppm silver from 163.4 metres.

The new assay data extends the copper porphyry mineralisation previously reported from diamond drill hole DDH-IL26002. Core logging indicates the hole is dominated by medium- to coarse-grained diorite cut by aplite dykes. Secondary copper mineralisation, such as malachite and azurite, appears in the upper weathered zone, while chalcopyrite, pyrite, and locally bornite occur below as disseminations and within quartz-biotite-sericite veinlets and B-veins. Widespread potassic alteration marked by K-feldspar, secondary biotite, and magnetite is also present through much of the drill hole.

“The diamond drill core and assays at Ilksan demonstrate the presence of a fertile copper porphyry system. The elevated copper grades, potassic alteration and presence of B-veins indicate that we are close to the core of the system. The results of the deeper 3rd hole are eagerly anticipated.”

— Sean Gregory, Managing Director

The Baynazar project was pegged by Sarytogan in 2024 following a review of historical Soviet exploration records to target greenfields copper exploration. The exploration area is situated 25 kilometres south-west of the company's Sarytogan Graphite Deposit in central Kazakhstan.

Assay results for a deeper third diamond drill hole at the Ilksan prospect are anticipated over the coming weeks.

Read the full announcement: Copper Mineralisation Extended at Ilksan